Two men are still missing after a large group of people took part in a traditional Christmas Day sea swim in Devon, leading to a major emergency response and a police warning against entering the water on Boxing Day.
Major Emergency Response to Swimmers in Difficulty
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton beach at 10.25am on Christmas Day morning following reports of people in difficulty in the water. The annual wild swimming event, which has become an informal local tradition, drew scores of participants despite challenging sea conditions.
Multiple people were helped from the water, with several receiving medical attention at the scene. One person was taken by ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, while two others were treated and discharged nearby. However, two swimmers, men aged in their 40s and 60s, were reported missing, triggering a large-scale search operation.
Extensive Search Suspended as Darkness Falls
A significant multi-agency search was launched involving coastguard rescue teams from Exmouth and Beer, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, and search and rescue helicopters. A fixed-wing aircraft from Humberside also assisted, alongside police and ambulance crews.
Despite extensive efforts covering both the shoreline and offshore areas, the two men were not found. The coastguard and RNLI search was officially stood down at 5pm due to fading light and deteriorating weather conditions. Some police enquiries on land continued into the evening.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police stated: "Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing and to all who may have witnessed and be impacted by the incident." The families of the missing men have been informed.
Boxing Day Warning Issued Despite No Official Weather Alert
The incident occurred while a Met Office yellow weather warning for wind was in effect across parts of the South West, leading to the cancellation of many organised swims in the region. An experienced swimmer who decided not to enter the water described the waves as "almost 10ft".
Although no formal weather warnings are in place for Boxing Day, police have issued a strong advisory against sea swimming. Detective Superintendent Costar urged: "While there are no official warnings in place for tomorrow, we urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to."
The Budleigh Salterton Christmas swim was once a formal charity event but has evolved in recent years into a more informal gathering maintained by locals and visitors.
